Many Lyme patients experience symptoms from both Heavy Metals and
Intestinal Parasites. In fact, many people without Lyme disease experience
this, too. With the pollution of our air, water, food source, products, and
environment, it is hard not to have some problems with heavy metals these
days. And with commercial meat production, parasites are more common
than you think.

Most people believe you have to go to a foreign country and drink
contaminated water to obtain these illnesses, but this just isn't true. It is
important to be tested and determine if any of these are present in your body
prior to beginning treatment. Symptoms can be similar and toxic loads can
increase the Herxheimer Reaction during treatment. In the case of Heavy
Metal Toxicity, Candida will thrive so long as they are present and your
immune system and health will continue to decline.

What is Heavy Metal Poisoning or Toxicity in humans?

Heavy metals are not digestible and accumulate in the soft tissues of the
body. It could be excess copper from your water pipes; mercury from eating
fish or crumbling dental fillings; aluminum from additives, cosmetics, and
deodorants; lead from paint in your house; arsenic or cadmium from your local
water source; smoking cigarettes; antibiotics or other pharmaceutical
medications; air quality; occupational dust exposure; or from handling
contaminated soil.

There are differing symptoms depending on the type of metal, but they
generally include nausea, vomiting, headaches, and a metallic taste in
mouth. Diagnosis and treatment are essential. You can do your own at-home
test kits if necessary. I would recommend having your doctor do a full
work up on you and test at least blood and urine levels for all of the
following: Arsenic, Lead, Mercury, Cadmium, and Aluminum (see the
Vitamins & Minerals page for a complete list).

Treatment varies depending on the metal and the severity. Generally
chelation is required which will remove the metals from your system. Timing is
crucial if chelation is necessary because it will also remove nutrients and
medications from your body. However, any permanent damage that has
occurred is irreversible. Also, it is important to determine the source and
limit exposure to prevent future toxicity.

If you have elevated levels of heavy metals in your body, you need to
address it. You will never succeed in Lyme or Candida treatment without
taking care of this if it is an issue. Discuss your options with your doctor.

What are Human Parasites?

Approximately 80% of all humans are infested with some type of
Parasite. There are over 100 species of human parasites. Some attack the
skin, eyes, intestines, organs, joints, blood, and soft tissue. They are stealthy
and they can do an immense amount of damage to our bodies and our health.
It is important to understand first what they are, where they come from,
how to recognize them, and what to do about it if you are infected.

Parasites are organisms that live in or on another organism, benefiting
and relying on the host for nutrients at the host's expense. They can be
ingested, inhaled, or transferred by vectors such as ticks and mosquitos.
Single celled Parasites can reproduce quickly and in some cases form cysts.
Multi-celled Parasites generally lay eggs in the thousands. It is equally
important to get rid of Parasites along with their eggs.

Parasites are more common than you might think within our food supply.
It is important to inspect and cook meat thoroughly. Inspect and wash
fruit thoroughly, discarding any bad portions. Drinking clean, pure water is a
must. Limiting your exposure to Ectoparasites is also recommended as many of
them are vectors, or carriers, of protozoan parasites and other infectious
diseases and microbes. Be sure to wash hands thoroughly after using the
restroom, handling or working with raw meat, soil, animal or human
feces.

Symptoms of Parasitic infestation mimic many other diseases. It can
take years before symptoms evolve, and permanent damage can be
done by parasites. Laboratory tests are usually successful in determining if
you have a parasitic infection. For Protozoa type infestations, blood work is
needed. For Worm infestations, Complete Profile Stool Analysis is needed. And
Ectoparasites are usually visible on the surface of the skin. Treatment differs
depending on the type of parasite(s) present.

Doing a Parasitic/Colon Cleanse once or twice a year is something I
personally highly recommend. Not only is it good to clean out your colon, it
is a good preventative measure for parasites to ensure that if you do have
them, they aren't there for long.

There are three main classes of Human Parasites:

Protozoa

Description: Microscopic single-celled organisms which can be free-living or
parasitic in nature.